Keith Emery Announces Additions to Western New England Coaching Staff

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 11, 2016) – With the Western New England University football team's 2016 season opener less than a month away, head coach Keith Emery has announced additions to his staff.

After bringing Alex Bresner on board as defensive coordinator in May, Emery has rounded out his staff with a pair of assistant coaches in Dylan Berardelli, who will work with the offensive line, and Chase Venuto, who will coach wide receivers. Additionally, senior Connor DeVarney joins the coaching staff as a student assistant and will work with running backs. DeVarney was an All-Region and All-New England Football Conference (NEFC) selection for the Golden Bears last fall. 

A 2015 graduate of Hamilton College, Berardelli was a four-year starter at left guard for the Continentals, serving as team captain and earning All-NESCAC second team honors as a senior last fall. Berardelli was also a captain for Hamilton's indoor/outdoor track & field teams, and he owns the school record in the 35-pound weight throw event.

The Dalton, Pa. native had the opportunity to gain experience as an assistant coach with Hamilton's football team last spring, and he has also coached at the Penn State Elite Football Camp and with the Old Forge High School team in Old Forge, Pa.

Berardelli earned his bachelor of arts degree in economics from Hamilton last May.

Venuto joins the Golden Bears after a four-year collegiate career at the College at Brockport, graduating last May with a bachelor of science degree in sport management and a minor in coaching. The Ithaca, N.Y. native played quarterback for the Golden Eagles and went on to serve as an assistant coach last spring.

Western New England opens its 2016 season on Friday, September 2 at 7 p.m. with the annual Pynchon SAW game at city rival Springfield College. The Golden Bears return home to host Westfield State the following Saturday, and open their NEFC slate on September 24 against Curry.